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A Benefit for Cousins

The Pekin area Church Women United is sponsoring a benefit this weekend. The event “A Benefit for Cousins” is being held on the Pekin Community School District campus from 5 to 8pm tonight. In addition to a live and silent auction, there will be food and carnival games. Proceeds will benefit two Pekin students, cousins Noah and Reagan, who have dealt with medical issues most of their lives.

11-year-old Noah has been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Undergoing a kidney transplant at a young age, Noah is now in the need of a liver transplant. Noah is a 5th grader at Pekin Elementary. 13-year-old Reagan is a 7th grader at the middle school Born with heart problems, Reagan received a new heart at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in January.

President of Church Women United Carla Nelson says the support has been overwhelming, with various businesses and community members donating things ranging from homemade quilts to a gas grill.